Levothyroid Side Effects

Levothroid is a prescription medication used to treat hypothryoidism. Despite its effectiveness, Levothroid poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Causes

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the most common side effects of Levothroid are due to excessive dosages of the drug. Taking too much Levothroid causes hyperthyroidism or excessive production of thyroid hormones.

Types of Common Side Effects

• Common side effects of Levothroid include increased appetite, fatigue, weight loss, heat intolerance, fevers, excessive sweating, headache, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting, hair loss and flushing.

Time Frame

• Side effects of Levothroid typically develop during the first few days of treatment. In some cases, the side effects may decrease as your body becomes acclimated to the drug, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Risks

• Levothroid poses a risk for cardiovascular side effects, including heart attack, cardiac arrest and heart failure. Some patients develop increased pressure inside the skull, causing a risk for blindness, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

• If you have a history of heart attacks, clotting disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis, disorders affecting your pituitary or adrenal glands, goiters or nodular thyroid disase, your doctor is not likely to prescribe Levothroid due to its potential side effects.